Special Service and Features
‘Positive thinking key to overcome fears on pandemic’
“As the current pandemic situation and the ongoing lockdown are inevitable, it is essential that we accept the scenario by focusing on the various positive aspects that the deadly virus has put forth and ensure that we keep ourselves active the entire day thereby reducing our stress and boredom.” This was stated by Dr. J. Periyar Lenin, District Psychiatrist, District Mental Health, RAMNAD during a webinar titled ‘How to destress oneself during Covid Pandemic’ that was organised today  by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Field Outreach Bureau, Vellore in association with NSS, University of Madras, DKM College for Women, Vellore and Alpha Arts and Science College, Porur.
Speaking among a group of participants consisting majorly of students, Dr. Periyar Lenin advised them to consider the present circumstances as an opportunity to update their knowledge by learning new languages, courses etc. He also warned them not to fall prey to social media, especially gaming and connecting with strangers virtually. He said that as the number of youngsters being addicted to online games which instil violent and anti social thoughts is increasing, it is now considered as a disorder. Girls should not inculcate the habit of isolating from family and have virtual conversation. Instead, they should communicate with real life people, he stressed. Instead of finding fault with others and brooding over it, he stated that it is advisable to change ourselves by accepting them.
Recalling that 20 years back, the term ‘stress’ was an all new concept Dr. Lenin said that on the contrary, now, it is very common among people of all age groups, starting from small children to elderly people. “When the mind is not able to accept certain things that are beyond expectation or when it is not ready to face challenges, it leads to stress, which can be felt by various natural defence mechanisms like hormonal changes, behavioural changes including irritation, anger, and physical problems like insomnia, lack of appetite and palpitation”, he added. He further classified stress into good and bad stress- while the former induces a person to strive and succeed, the latter merely leads to anxiety thus obstructing him/ her from reaching the goal.
During her address, Dr. Vaneeta Aggarwal, NSS Coordinator, University of Madras, spoke at. length about the numerous benefits of Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation in dealing with stress. “Yoga can help us lead a healthy life. While practicing Pranayama, controlling our breath for one minute gives us innumerable benefits”. According to her, stress cannot be removed, but it can be reduced by understanding one’s emotions and she enumerated the different ways to control them. Focusing on the positive aspects and connecting with friends and relatives are very important at this juncture. “By controlling our mind, we can destress ourselves. We have to identify the various ways such as listening to music, painting, singing etc.”, she added.
Delivering his address on the role of media and how it creates anxiety, Shri. R. Chidambaranathan, Deputy Director, All India Radio, Puducherry, said that people should avoid following social media for news related to COVID and instead seek information from reliable sources like the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Doordarshan, All India Radio, Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check and private media that do not sensitise the issue. “Though the Government of India during the onset of the pandemic, last year, had warned media not to share false information, the sad state of affairs still continues and has even caused various disruptions.” Citing the example of the issue regarding Remdesivir drug, he said media exaggerated the matter with divergent views and comments thus creating chaos among general public and medical fraternity. People should not become a victim to fake news and they should be able to differentiate between facts and false news, he added.
Earlier, in his Presidential address, Shri. J. Kamaraj, Joint Director, Regional Outreach Bureau, Chennai, said that people who are ambitious are free from stress as they have laid an action plan towards achieving it and are more focused on things that are happening around them. Had we not acted irresponsibly and spread false and unwanted information, we could have rather prevented the spread of the second wave. He expressed hope that the public, with a broad mind and proper planning, along with the student community could make drastic change, thereby curbing the talk of a third wave.
Shri. S. Murali, Field Publicity Officer, Field Outreach Bureau, Vellore, delivered the welcome address, while Shri. M. Jayaganesh, Field Publicity Assistant, Field Outreach Bureau, Vellore, rendered the vote of thanks